A brown ring on the ceiling after a storm is one of the most common calls we get. The stain tells you water is getting in, but rarely where. Water runs along roof battens, pipes and slabs before it drips, so the source can be a metre or more away.

1. Broken or slipped roof tiles

Clay and concrete tiles crack with age and heat, and tiles can slip after strong wind. One gap is enough to let rain run onto the battens below. If the stain only appears after heavy rain, start here.

2. Ridge and hip mortar

The mortar under ridge tiles cracks and washes out over the years. Water then enters along the top of the roof and shows up in the middle of the ceiling.

3. Flashing at walls and chimneys

Where a roof meets a wall, a parapet or a chimney, metal flashing seals the joint. When it rusts or lifts, water runs straight down the wall inside.

4. Blocked gutters and valleys

Leaves and debris block gutters and roof valleys. Rain then overflows backwards under the tiles. This is common on houses near big trees.

5. It is not the roof at all

If the stain grows when it has not rained, look at plumbing: a leaking pipe, an aircon drain or a failed bathroom floor upstairs.

What to do

Take photos of the stain and note when it appears. Then ask us for a roof inspection. We find the source, show you photos and fix it, and we can replace the damaged ceiling in the same job.